McHENRY – Two local business owners met Monday with the McHenry Police Department to present them with more than 40 ballistic helmets.
"After all the issues with police officers not feeling safe with the shootings, I thought it was a great time to support our local police department," said Wayne Jett, owner of Jett's Heating & Air in Crystal Lake.
In September, Jett’s Heating & Air held a charity golf outing to raise money for the 48 ballistic helmets.
“I think it is important to give back to our community, whether it is a family in need or to protect those that protect us,” Jett said. “I would hope they will never need them, but if they do, they will know that the protection is better now.”
Mike Linderman, owner of All Pro Plumbing in Lakemoor, also was there Monday to thank local police officers for their service.
“We wanted to just help out our local police force,” Linderman said. “I have a lot of relatives and friends who are police officers and firemen.”
Donations were originally planned to only go to law enforcement, but after Huntley Police Sgt. L.J. Marak’s death in August after battling cancer, $8,000 also went to Marak’s family.
Jett is among two candidates running for mayor of McHenry, along with former Mayor Steve Cuda, an attorney.